Manually controlled sorting machine



May 4, 1937.

F. L. FULLER ET AL MANUALLY CONTROLLED SORTING MACHINE Original Filed Sleptf, 193.4 7 Sheets-Sheet l May 4, 1937. F. L. FULLER LT AL 2,019,442

MANUALLY CONTROLLED SORTING MACHINE Original Filed Sept. 7, 1934 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATToRNEY '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 4F. L. FULLER ET AL MANUALLY coNTRoLLED somme MACHINE' loriginal Filed sept. 7, 1934 May 4, 1937.

' A'TTORNEY May 4, 1937. F. 1 FULLER ET AL ED SORTING MACHINE MANUALLY CONTROLL Original Filed' Sept. '7, 1954 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 TTORNEY May 4, 1937. F L.. FULLER ET Al. I 2,079,442

MANUALLY CONTROLLED SORTING MACHINE Original Filed Sept. '7, 1934 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIGM,

an "45 31a lleivglmg lf-f@ MY 4, 1937- F. L. FULLER Al. Y 2,0795442 n r.lmxr.m1..mr coNTRoLLED somme MACHINE originan Filed sew-7L 1934 msneezs-sgeet s ATTORNEY 7 May 4, 1937- F. L. FULLER ET AL 2,079,442 I I MANUAKLLY CONTROLLED` SORTING MACHINE original Filed. sept. 7, 1934 7 sheets-sheet v l FIGJS.

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Patented May 4, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MANUALLY CONTROLLED SORTING MACHINE Original application September 7,1934, Serial No. 743,044. Divided and this application July 31, 1935, Serial No. 34,019

' 19 Claims.

This invention relates to manually controlled so-rting machines and has for'its main object the improvement of machines of.` this general type to attain the segregation of groups of records such as bank checks, for example, quicker and more efliciently than has been possible heretofore.

This application is a division of the application of F. L. Fuller and S. Brand, Serial No. 743,044, tiled-September 7, 1934, Combined record sorting an'd accounting machines. Prior to the present invention check sorting machines of the` manually-controlled type have been designed and constructed to cause the drum carrying sorting compartments to-be rotated in the shorter of two directions to select a compartment by a minimum movement of the drum. The speed of rotation of the drum gradually increased as its inertia was overcome and it was especially noted that whenever the drum rotated through its longest arcuate movements the high speed of the drum was detrimental to the machine when the drum was stopped at the desired position by obstructing its rota.- tion. In the present construction a maximum torque is initially applied to quickly rotate the Q drum but bythe provision of suitable braking devices the speed of the drum is gradually reduced, facilitating its stopping.

The main object of the invention is, therefore, the provision of improvements to change the speed of rotation of the drum. In the present arrangement this is effected by a reversal of the motor current to cause dynamic braking and also by the provision of an electrical resistance in the motor circuit and a mechanical friction brake.

The reversal of current and the insertion of electrical resistance takes place irrespective of the direction of rotation of the electrical motor and when the drum approaches its desired position. The mechanical brake also functions to hold the drum in its desired position of adjustment but it is released upon the depression of a subsequent key.

A still further object of the present invention is to eliminate the provision of the automatically 45 operated selector key releasing devices. A novel co-nstruction of the present machine permits a depressed key to be retained depressed and until another key is depressed at which time it is automatically released. The depression of a key indicates that its compartment is at a position to receive a check and eliminates the necessity of depressing the same key successively to feed checks of the same classification. The compartment Uselecting device is so constructed that the me- 5'5 chancal friction brake is held effective to hold the In the present machine after each check feeding operation suitable testing devices operate to determine the number of checks in the compartment. The approach to a limiting number causes the locking of a manually operated release bar which controls check feeding operations, and prevents the effectiveness of the selector keys to select subsequent compartments. The release bar and selector keys are effective again only when the checks of the filled-up compartment are withdrawn and a special key is depressed.

In connection with the check feeding devices the.present machine includes improved constructions to facilitate feeding of the checks. The sorting compartments in the present machine are open at their concentric outer portions but the checks therein are prevented from falling out during the rotation of the drum by clamping or gripping means, one ln each compartment.

\A still 'further object of the present invention is to provide a common electrical means for locking the release bar during the rotation of the drum or when any compartment is lled to capacity.

In connection with the driving mechanism the present arrangement comprises a reversible motor for rotating the drum and a uni-directionable rotatable motor which in the present machine drives the check feeding mechanism and continually drives a generator to supply direct current to the electrical circuits at a voltage reduced with respect to the power supply. In prior arrangements these electrical circuits were energized by voltages of the common power supply requiring high voltage relays, circuitr breakers. etc., thus creating objectionable electrical conditions.

Other objects and advantages will appear from the following specification and drawings in which 'drawingsz- Fig. 1 is a View in right elevation of the improved machine with the side plate of the cabinet removed to show parts within.

Fig. 2 is a detail of the locking bolt for the drum. mjFig. 3 is al top plan view of the driving mechasignal and locking devices.

Fig. 5 is a detail view 'of the full compartment switch.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view in elevation of the' Fig. l1. illustrates in side elevation the `con-I struction of the one revolution clutch and its control by the release bar.-

Fig. 12 is a sectional View showing in .elevation one bank of compartment selecting keys.

Fig. 13l is a. perspective view showing in detail part of the release bar control device.

Fig. 14 is a detail sectional 'v iew: showing in operated position the devices for entering checks into the selected compartment.

Fig. 15 illustrates the electrical wiring diagram of the machine.

' Fig.. 16 is a detail sectional view of the devices for entering checks into the selected compartment but shown in normal position.y

General, description l The herein disclosed machine is designed to successively sort under manual control a group of promiscuously arranged checks. The sorting drum is rotated under control of selector keys to bring by means of a power drive a selected compartment into registration with a check receiving aperture. The check is then dropped into the aperture and by means of a manually depressible release bar check feeding devices vare then operated to feed the check into the selected compartment.

Depression of one of the selector keys deter- 4mines the point at which the sorting drum is to be stopped, the drum always `rotating from the point at winch it was last stopped the shorter distancel to bring the selected compartment toY the check receiving aperture.

The sorting drum is retained in its position of adjustment so that ifv a compartment is in the desired check receiving position all that is necessary to feed another check to this compartment is to place the check in the receiving aperture and depress the release bar.

Each selector key when depressed is retained in depressed position until the next key is de pressed when it is automatically released. The depressed position of the key indicates which compartment is in check receiving position.

Depression of a key causes the power drive to automatically rotate the drum and the power drive is so designed that it causes the drum to be rotated at one speed and when the compartment approaches the desired position the speed is reduced. This reduction of speed is accomplished by dynamic braking of the motor, i. e.,

the current is reversed and also by the insertion of a resistance in the motor circuit., Inaddition to both of these braking devices Fig. 4 is a detail View of the full compartment mechanical brake operates to slow the rotation of the drum but this brake is effective to hold the drum in the desired position of adjustment.

When any pocket is completely filled the release bar is locked to prevent further feeding of checks, and in fact, the selector keys are rendered ineffective to even prevent further compartment selecting operations.

An electrical interlock causes the locking of the release bar while the drum is in rotation to prevent damage to the parts which would be created by a depression of the release bar before the drum is stopped in its rotation.

/ Framework (Figs. 1, 3, 6, 7 and 9) The main framework of the machine includes three longitudinal frames 30, 3l and 32 (Fig. 9) and mounted on a. sub-base 33 (Fig. 1) which in turn is supported on legs 34. The frames 30, 3l and 32 Aare joined by a back frame 35. The front legs 34 are joined by a. rod 36 and the back legs 34 are joined in a similar manner by a rod 31. These rods support a base or platform 38 (Figs. 1. 3, 6 and 7) upon which is mounted the drum controlling mechanism.

Drive mechanism (Figs. 1, 3, 6v, 7, 8, 11)

Separate electric motors are provided .to drive the machine. drives the sorting drum. The other motor 48 (Fig. 3) drives the check feeding mechanism.

The motor 40 (Fig. 3) also drives a generator 4| directly connected thereto for the purpose of supplying low voltage current to operate the several relays and other electrically operated devices with which the machine is provided and which will be described in detail later in the specification.

The motor 39 is reversible in order to drive the sorting drum from the position in which it was left at the last operation through the shorte distance to a selected position.

The sortingdrumA indicated generally at 5l (Fig. 1) is driven by the motor 39 through a gear 42 (Fig. 7.) secured on the armature shaft 48. This gear drives a gear 44 fast on a shaft 45 suitably mounted in a gear housing 46 forming a part of the motor frame, and in a bracket 41. The motor 39 and the bracket 41 are mounted on the base 38 (see also Fig. 3). A clutch disc 48 mounted to slide longitudinally on the shaft a5 but rotatame with shaft 45 through the me` dium of keys or splines 49, (Fig. 7) is adapted to be brought into contact with a clutch facing 50 mounted on a clutch disc 56 loosely mounted on the shaft'45. The clutch disc 56 is secured to a sprocket gear 51 also loosely mounted on the shaft 45, and, through a chain 58, (Fig. 1) drives a larger sprocket gear 59 secured toa drum shaft 60 mounted in suitable bearings supported in brackets 6l (Fig. 9) extending downwardly from the sub-base 33.

The clutch disc 48 is normally out of contact with the facing 50 and is adapted to be brought into physlcaicontact therewith by the energize.- tion of a clutch magnet' 62 (Fig. 7). This magnet operates a pair of arms 83 fast on a shaft 84 journaled in a bracket 65. Also secured fast to the shaft 64 is a yoke 66 (Figs. 6 and 7) the ends of which yoke carry rollers 61 projecting into an lannular groove in the hub 88 of the clutch disc Obviously, when the magnet 62 (Fig. 7) is energized it attracts its amature 69 which is secured to the arms 63 rocking these arms. the shaft One of these motors 39 (Fig. 1)

64y and the yoke 66 slightly clockwise (as viewed in Fig. 7), shifting the' disc 48 into close contact with the facing so that the rotation of shaft 451s transmitted to the sprocket 51 to frictionally drive the sorting drum.

,As will be fullyexplained later in connection with the description of the circuit diagram, the motor 39 may operate in either direction under the control of the selector keys in order to rotate the sorting drum the shorter distance tothe selected position.

A brake mechanism is provided for the purpose of decreasing the speed of the drum as it nears the selected position. This brake mechanism includes a brake drum 10 secured on the armature shaft 43 of the drive motor 39 (see Figs. 3 and 8). A pair of brake shoes 1| and 12 pivotedon a common rod 13 and embracing the drum 10 are provided with suitable linings 14. 'Ihe brake shoes 1| and 12 normally press their linings against the drum 10 under the influence of springs 15 compressed between retaining nuts 16 on the ends of a rod 11 and the upward extending ends of said shoes 1| and 12. When at the proper time, as will be described later, the brake magnet 18 is energized it attracts its armature drawing a truncated ccne 19 mounted on the lower end thereof, upwardly between rollers 80, there being a roller 80 mounted Yin the bifurcated upper end of each of the brake shoes -1| and 12, thus spreading the brake shoes and releasing the drum 10 for rotation. At approximately the time the selected pocket is at the desired position the magnet 18 is deenerglzed which releases the brake shoes for action of their springs 15. This immediately brings the brake lining into effective contact with the drum 10 to stop the rotation of the sorting drum.

In addition to the application of the brake to drum 10, other means is provided to act as an effective brake for the purpose of stopping the drum. 'I'his means includes momentary reversal of the current through the eld windings of the motor 39. The manner in which this reversal is accomplished will be fully brought out in connection with the description of the circuit diagram. It may also be stated that following the momentary reversal of the current through the motor a resistance is automatically placed in the motor circuit which has the effect of causing the motor to run at reduced speed until the sorting drum is accurately positioned. When this occurs, that is, when the drum 5| is brought to rest in its selected position a locking finger 86 (Fig. 1), which was withdrawn at the beginning of the operation by the energization of magnets 81, is released and its spring 88 rocks said finger into engagement with one of a plurality of spaced alining notches 89 located about the periphery of a ring secured to the drum 5|.

The motor 40 (Figs. 1, 3 and 6) as stated above, drives the generator 4| and in addition drives a sprocket gear 90 through reduction gears enclosed in a housing 9|. The sprocket gear 90, by means of a chain 9|a, rotates a sprocket gear 92 (Fig. 1) secured to a main drive shaft 93 mounted in the frames 30, 3| and 32. The drive shaft.93 rotates continually while the machine is in operation and drives a main cam shaft 94 by means of a gear 95 (Fig. 1l) fast on the drive shaft 93 meshing with a larger gear 96 rotatably mounted on. the cam shaft 94. A one revolution clutch is provided and is rendered effective, under the control of a release bar 91, to couple the cam shaft 90 to the gear 96 whereby the shaft Keyboard (Figs. 1 and 12) A brief description will now be given of the various manipulative devices provided for controlling the machine. The sorting drum, indicated generally at 5| (Fig. 1), has twenty-four compartments into which checks may be sorted. In order to select the particular compartment into which the check is deposited and to control the rotation of thel drum to bring the selected compartment into position to receive the check a plurality of selector keys 98 (Figs. 1 and 12) arranged in four banks of six keys each is provided. These keys are slidably supported in plates 99 and. I 00 carried between frames |0| (only one of which `is shown) mounted on projections on the sub-base 33. Springs |02 compressed between the plate |00 and the shoulders on the key stems normally hold the keys 98 in the upward position.

The key caps carry suitable indications to designate the compartments according to the classication numbers, letters, etc. of the checks or vouchers to be sorted. For illustrative purposes, however, the keys 98 have been given'numbers from 1 to 24 to correspond with the numbers of the compartments on the drum 5|.

Upon depression of a key 98 a projection on the stem thereof cams a detent |03 toward the right (Fig. 12) until the shoulder of said projection passes below the detent whereupon a spring |04 restores the detent to latch the key in de` lpressed position. The detent |03 is in the form of a large single flat apertured plate and is supported between pairs of rods |05 extending between the frames l0 I. The depressed key is held by the detent |03 until another key is depressed which shifts the detent releasing the previously depressed key. The keys 98 may not otherwise be released.

Each of the keys 98 carries at its lower end a rounded block of insulation which, upon'depression of a key, is thrust between contact blades |06 to close two pairs of contacts |01 and |08, there being a set of contacts |01 and |08 provided for each key 9B. The blades upon which the contacts |01 and |08 are carried are suitably mounted on bars |09 supported between the frames |0|. The contacts |01 and |08 are connected by suitable wires to the sorting drum control device* which will be described later.

The sorting drum (Figs. 1, 9, 14 and 16) It was described above how lthe shaft 60 (Figs. 1 and 9) is mounted in the frame 33 and how this shaft is rotated by the motor 39 by means of the chain 58. The shaft 60 supports and rotates the sorting drum in the following described manner:

Secured to the shaft 60 are two flanged hubs |36 andv|31 (Fig. 9) to the flanges of which hubs are secured discs |38 having flanged rims |39. A larger disc |40 is secured to the right hand disc |38 (Fig. 9) and carries near its outer edge a series of lateral projecting rods |43 (see Fig. 16). At their opposite ends the rods |46 are secured to and spaced apart by a ring |41 (Figs. 9 and 16). To form the individual compartments into which the checks are to be sorted light metal plates are secured to the flanges |39 and extend a suitable distance around the circumference of said anges to form the bottoms as at |48, each of the parts |48 overlapping its neighbor. The

partments. Ears are bent outwardly from the separator plates |49, one near the ring |41 and one near the disc |40 and holes therein receive the rods |46 to maintain the separators |49 properly spaced.

plates |54.

Near each end 'of the rods |46 are pivoted angular arms |52 which arms are. joined by.

sleeves |53 surrounding the rods. Between them each pair of arms |52 pivotally carries a check retainer or clamping plate 54 each pressed against the separator |49 at its left by springs |55 attached to the arms |52.' Projections |56 on the lower edges of the plates |54 extend through slots in the bottom of the compartments to limit the movement of the inner edges of 'said The arms |52 Iare adapted to be swung counterclockwise (Fig. 16) to bring the outeredges of the plates |54 against the right hand separators |49 to permit ingress of the checks. The means for rocking the arms |52dwill be described later.

Pins |51 project from the left hand arms |52 (Fig. 9) to provide a convenient means formanually rocking the retaining plates |54 in order to remove the checks from the compartments.

Compartment selection (Fig. 15

It was previously stated that the selection of the check compartments in the sorting drumI 5| is controlled by depression of the selector key 98 corresponding to the compartment it is desired to bring into position to receive the check.

when closed, energizes the motor 40. This motor runs continually driving the generator 4| and the drive shaft 93 (Fig. 1). Closing the switch |59 also provides current for the motor 39 by means of wires |60 and 6| but this motor does not start until a selector key 98 is depressed due to control relays now to be described. The current for operating the several relays is supplied by the direct current generator 4|, the positive lead from said generator being indicated at |62 and the negative lead at |53.

As was set forth previously there are twentyfour compartments in the sorting drum'l` 5| and an equal number of selector keys 98 are provided to select the compartments. The blades of each inner pair of blades |06 (Fig. 12) of the switches operated by these keys are connected b y a common Wire |64 (Fig. 15) to the positive side |62 of the generator 4|. Each of the left blades carrying one'of the points of the contacts |01 is connected by a wire |65 to corresponding brushes |66. These brushes are stationary and are mounted in a suitable, insulating Ysupport |61 secured to the sub-base 33 by a pair of brackets |68 (see Fig. 9). The brushes |66 are constantly in contact with a. split commutator comprising separate segments 69 and |10 (Fig. 15) mounted in an insulating disc |16 (Fig. 9) secured to the sprocket 59 whichLin turn, is fast on the compartment drum shaft 60. y 'I'he segment |69 is electrically connected to a ring |11 and the segment |10 is electrically connected to a ring |18 both of which rings are mounted in and rotate with the disc |16.

The commutator segments |69 and |10 have a xed relationship with the compartment drum and rotate therewith, but rotate with respect to the brushes |66 consequently the spaces between the segments |69 and |10 may be between any adjacent pair of diametrically opposed brushes |66. For the illustrative embodiment it may be noted (see Fig. 15) that one of the spaces separating these segments lies between the brushes corresponding to the No. 1 compartment and the No. 24 compartment, while the space separating the opposite ends of the segments lies between the brushes corresponding to the No. 12 and No. 13 compartments.

Depression of a key 98, for instance the 5 key, closes contacts |01 and completes a circuit from the positive side of the generator line |62 through line |64, contacts |01, the corresponding line |65, brush 66, commutator segment |69, the common ring |11, a brush |19, a. wire |80, contacts |8I, through the coil of a relay |82, wire |83, contacts |84, wire to the negative generator lead |63. At the same time a circuit is comprising the center blade of a three blade time delay switch. This closes one set of contacts |89 completing a circuit from the positive line |62, a Wire |90, closed contacts |89, a relay |9| to the negative line |63. Energization of the relay |9| closes its contacts |92 (lower lleft of Fig. l5) completing a circuit from the line 62, contacts |92, wire |93, normally closed contacts 249, through theA brake' magnet 18 (see also Fig. 6) the coil of a relay and the clutch magnet 62 (see also Fig. 7).

The circuits through the clutch magnet'62 and the relay |95 are completed by wire |96, |91 and |98 directly to the negative line side 63. The brake magnet (18) circuit is completed through a. wire |99, contacts 200, wires 206, 201, |91 and |98 to the negative side |63.

The operation of the `brake magnet 18 (Figs. 6, 8 and 15) draws its armature including the member 19 upwardly spreading the brake shoes 1| and 12 thus releasing the brake. Energization of the relay |95 closes contacts 208 (lower right of Fig. 15), closing a circuit from the negative lead |63, contacts 208, contacts 209 closed upon energization of relay |9I, to the negative side of motor control relays 2|0, 2||, 2|2 and 2|3. The energization of theclutch magnet 62 engages the clutch 48-50 (Fig. 7) between the sorting drum motor 39 and the sprocket drive 51-58-59. l

The energization of the relay |82closes contacts 2|4 and 2|5, and opens contacts 2| 6 completing a circuit from the positive generator lead |62, contacts |92, wire 2|1, contacts'2l8 normally closed, wire 2 |9, contacts 2 |5 now closed by relay |82, wire y220, normally closed contacts 22|, wire 222, relay |82, wire |83, contacts |84, wire |85 to the negative lead |63, thus setting up a holdingcircuit through the relay |82. Another circuit is completed through contacts |92, wires |93 and 2|1, contacts 2|4 closed by relay |82, wire 223, relay coil 224, contacts 225 226 far and |84, Wire |85 to line side |63. Energization of the relay 224 opens the contacts |8| thus opening the circuit from the commutator to the relay |82 to prevent any cross circuits when the commutator is in motion.

, The closing of contacts 2|4 also completes a circuit through the magnet 81 which energizes this magnet to disengage the arm 86 (Fig. 1) from the notch 89 on the ring 85 thus `freeing the drum 5| for rotation.

v A circuit is completed at the same time through the contacts 2|5, a wire 221, normally closed contacts 228 to motor control relays 2|| and 2|2, contacts 209 'and 208 to the negative line |63. Energization of motor control relays 2|| and 2|2 closes double sets of contacts 229 and 230 respectively completing a circuit through, the motor 39 extending as follows: Positive side of the main supply line through line |60, normally closed contacts'236, contacts 230, armature of motor 39, contacts 229, wire |6| to the negative rlie of the main supply line |58 through switch The clutch is now eective and the motor is running to rotate the selector Idrum to bring the selected compartments to position which, it will be remembered, is the 5 compartment for this particular example. The drum will continue to rotate until it approaches within two compartments of the selected compartment as determined by the depressed selector key 98. A feeler or extended brush 231 (Fig. carried on the en-d of an arm 238 and extending equal distances on each side thereof is in contact with a selected contact point 24|. The arm 238 is fast on the 'shaft 60 (see Fig. 9) and carries the feeler 231, also a shorter feeler 239. A brush 240 carried by the arm 238 is adapted to successively wipe the contacts 24| mounted in an insulating disc 242 suitably secured to the base 33. There are 24 contacts 24| each electrically connectedl to the contact |08 associated with a corresponding selector key 98. y i

The arm 238 also carries a brush 243 in constant contact with a common ring 244 and electrically connected to the feeler 231 and 239 and Vto the brush 240.

= When the 5 key was depressed the contacts |08 corresponding thereto were closed setting .up

a circuit from the positive lead |62, wire |64, contacts |08, wire 245 to the "5 contact 24|.

Now asthe feelers 231 on the arm 238 which is rotating with the drum 5|, contact with the "5 contact 24| the circuit is extended through the feelers 231, brush 243, ring 244, wire 246,

fthrough a relay coil 241, wires 206, 201, |91 and |98 to the negative generator lead |63. Energization of the relay 241 closes contacts 248 completing a circuit from the positive lead |62, contacts |92, normally closed contacts 249, contacts 248, through a relay coil 250, wires 25|, 206, 201, |91,

' |98 to the negative lea-d |63. This energizes the r'elay 250 closing contacts 252 thus setting up a holding circuit through said relay 250, and opens the contacts 200 to deenergize the brake magnet 18 which allows the springs 15 (Fig. 8) to apply the brake.

Energization ot the magnet 250 also opens contacts 236 throwing resistance 253 in series with the motor 39 thus reducing the speed of the motor. .l

At the time the feeler brush 231 completed the above described circuit, a circuit was also completed through the 5 contact point 24|, as 'set forth above, through wire 246, a pair of locking bolt magnets 254 (see also Fig. 2), Wires 201, |91 and |98 to the negative lead |63.

At the time the feeler brush 231 wipes across the 5 contact however, the drum 5| is in a position between compartments and a bolt 255 (Fig. 2) which is adapted to be operated by magnet 254 strikes the inter-notch periphery of the ring 85 (Fig. 1) and is-thus prevented from entering a notch 89 to arrest the movement of the drum and align said drum. The magnets 254 are energized only as long as the feeler brush 231 is in contact with the 5 contact 24|.

The bolt 255 (Fig. 2) is slidably mounted on an arm 256 pivotally supported on a plate 251 which in turn is secured to a bracket 258 supported on a cross rod 259 extending between the left hand legs 34 (Fig. 1) of the machine. A pin 260 projecting from the bolt 255 is embraced by the bifurcated upper end of an arm 266 fast on a shaft 261 to which is also fast the armature 268 of the magnets 254 and an arm 269 which operates the sets of contacts 288 and 249. The arm 256 has two opposed ears 210 bent outwardly therefrom in which ears are loosely mounted studs 21| between the. inner ends of which is compressed a strong spring 212.

In axial alinement lwith the outer ends of the studs 21| are two stop screws 212 fast in supporting blocks .213. suitably secured, the upper one to machine sub-base 33 and the lower one on` the bracket 258. The bolt 255 may enter a notch 89 only when the drum has arrived at the selected position as will be described later.

When the relay 241 (Fig. 15) operated to close the contacts 248 a circuitwas extended from line |62, contacts |92, contacts 249, contacts 248, a relay coil 214, wire 215, contacts 216, wires 211, 201, |91 and |98 to line |63. Energization of the relay 214 opens contacts 228 and 218 and closes contacts 219 and 280. Opening the contact 228 deenergizes motor control magnets 2|| and 2|2 dropping contacts 229 and 230, at the same time closing of contacts 280 extends a circuit as follows: positive lead |62, contacts |92, wires |93 and 2|1, contacts 2|8, wire 2|9, contacts 2|5 closed by energization of magnet |82, wire 221, contacts 280, through motor control magnets 2|0 and 2 I 3, contacts 209 and 208 to negative lead |63. The magnets 2|0 and 2| 3 now being energized, close their respective contacts 28| and 282 causing a -momentary reversal of the direction of i'low of the electrical current through the motor 39 for the purpose of dynamic braking.

When the brake magnet 18 is deenergized and its armature drops, it closes contacts 283 (see also Figs. 6 and 8) setting up a circuit from line |62, contacts |92, wire |93, contacts 249, contacts 283, a relay coil 284, Wires 201, |91 and |98 to line |63. Energization of relay 284 closes contacts 285 setting up a holding circuit for itself extending as follows: Line |62, contacts |92. Wires |93 and 2|1, contacts 2|4, wire 286, contacts 285, coil 284, wires 201, |91 and |98 to line |63.

The energization of relay coil 284 also closes contacts 281 again energizing the brake magnet 18 to release the brake shoes 1| and 12 4(Fig. 8) and the energization of the relay coil 284 causes the opening of the contacts 216 deenergizing relay coil 214 which allows contacts 228 and 218 to close thus restoring the flow of current through the motor 39 to its former direction. The motor continues to run at reduced speed until the drum is in the selected position.

When the drum arrives in the selected position, which in the instant example is the 5 position,

cuit through the'relay 241'but this relay 241 does not at this 'time affect the circuit' of relay 258 because the relay-258 was previously energized and set up a holding circuit for itself. However the magnets 254 are again energized and since a notch 89 is now opposite the bolt 255 (see Figs. 1 and 2) the magnets 254 rock the armature 268, shaft 261 and arm 266 to slide the bolt 255 into the notch 89. As the drum 5| at this time still has some momentum the bolt 255 and consequently thearm 256 will be carried therewith in the direction of rotation of the drum 5| compressing the spring 212 (Fig. 2) which absorbs the shock and centers the drum accurately in the selected position by retracting the druml to a pre determined position.

The magnets 254 are energized as longas a key 98 is depressed and the drum is standing in vthe position corresponding to the depressed key. 'However as soon as another key 98 is depressed the circuit is opened and the magnets 254 are deenergizedv and a spring 265 withdraws the bolt 255 to permit rotation of the drum to the new position.

Again referring to-Fig; 2, the movement of the armature 268 also rocks the arm 269 which opens the contacts 249 and closes contacts 288 (Fig. .15) setting up a circuit extending from line |62, contacts |92, contacts 288, Wire 289, relay coil 298, wire to the negative line |63. Energization of relay 290 closes contacts 296 and opens the contacts |84, 226 and 225. Closing contacts 296 sets up a circuit through a coil 291 from the line |62, contacts |92, wire 2|1, contacts 296, coil 291 to line |63. The coil 291 thus is energized to open the contacts 22| and opens the holding cir- .suit through the relay |82.

The opening of contacts |84, 226, and 225 opens the circuits and allows the relays |82, 224 to assume the normal original position and also prevents back circuits'through coils |82, 224 and |86.

OpeningA the contacts 249 opens the circuitv through the brake magnet 18 allowing the brake again to become effective. Also opening the contacts 249 deenergizes magnet which allows the contacts 208 to open thus deenergizing the motor control magnets which in turn drop their armatures to open the motorcircuit thus stopping the motor 39. Further opening the contacts 249 deenergizes the clutch magnet 62 to render the clutch 48-'58 (Fig. 7) ineffective.

when the magnet isz is deenergized dropping' its armature and opening the contacts 2| 4 the magnet 81 is deenergized (see also Fig. 1) allowing the spring 88 toengage the nose of arm 86 in a notch 89 to aline the drum in the selected position.

With the drum 5|, split commutator and the rotor arm 238 standing at the 5 position let it be assumed, as a further example, that the 23 key is depressed. y i

Depression of the 23 key completes a circuit to the 23 brush |66 which, it will be observed by reference to Fig. 15, is in contact with the segment |18. 'I'his sets up a circuit through the 23 brush |66, segment |10, common ring |18, brush 295, a wire 298, a relay coil 299 serving the same purpose as the previouslyldescribed magnet |86 and has a common outlet through' contacts |81 and wire |85-tothe line |63. At the same time. a circuit is *completed from wire 298, through contacts 388, wire 30|', magnet 302, Wire 383, contacts 226 and |84, wire |65 to the negative lead |83. Energization of the magnet 382 opens contacts 2|8 and closes contacts 384 and 305, completing a circuit from the positive lead |62, contacts |92 closed upon energization of magnet 299, wires |93 and 2|1, contacts 2|6, wire 2|9, contacts 384, contact's 306, magnet 302, wire 303, contacts 226 and |84, wire |85to line |63 thus setting up a holding circuit for magnet 302.

Another circuit is completedV through contacts 385, wire 223, magnet 224, contacts 225, 226 and |84 to the line |63. The relay magnet 224 opens its contacts 300 thus opening the circuit from the commutator segment |18 to the relay 302 to prevent-cross circuits.

'Ihe closing of contacts 305 also energizes magnet 81 to remove the arm 86 vfrom engagement with the ring 85 freeing the drum for Yrotation.

At the same time a circuit is completed through contacts 384, a wire 301, contacts 218 through Athe motor control magnets 2|8 and 2| 3', contacts rotates the drum'by the shorter direction directly to the "23 pocket where it is brought to rest in the manner described above.

During the course of this rotation the space between the segments |69 and |18 passes the 23" brush 66 at which time the magnet 299 will be` deenergized dropping the armature |88. Atthistime the armature is shifted to close the left hand (Fig. 15) contacts, |89 in order to maintain the relay |9| energized and hold the circuits through contacts 92. This is only for a very brief time after which the segment |69 comes into contact with the live brush energizing magnet |86 which immediately picks up the armature |88 closing the right hand pair of contacts |89 holding the magnet -|9| energized. The magnet |86 is ener-- gized as long as a key\98 is depressed. IHowever, the motor 39 does not operate because a circuit is also maintained through the magnets 254 to i hold the bolt 255 (Fig. 2) in. engagement with the drum this holding the contacts 249 open and the contacts. 288 closed. vThis maintains the magnet 298 (Fig. 15) energized holding the control circuits open.

As soon as another key 98 is depressed the circuit through the magnets 254 is opened which allows the bolt 255 to come out, and closes contacts 249 opening contacts 288. This deenergizes magnet 298 and the machine operates lthrough the above described selecting cycle'.

Release bar (Figs. 11, 513) vImmediately after depressing the selector key 98 the sorting drum rotates to the selected position. After this operation, the operator depresses the release `bar 91 rendering a one-revolution clutch (Fig. 11) effective to impart one complete roperate the machine.

shaft rotates idly until operation of the clutch mechanismillustrated in Fig. 11 is effected by depression of the release bar 91.

The bar 91 is mounted on a stem 308 which is slidably supported by a pair of headed screws 309 projecting from the frame 3|. The stem 308 carries a stud 310 which is embraced by the bifurcated end of one arm of a bell crank 311 having its other arm connected by a link 312 to a lever 313 pivotally supported on the frame 31. Depression of the release bar 91 rocks the bell crank 311 clockwise drawing the link 312 left- Ward (Fig. 11) thus rocking the lever 313 also clockwise. This raises a link 314 depending from one arm of the lever 313. The link 314 has a shouldered notch in one edge thereof normally.

held by a spring 315 in cooperative relation with a stud 316 projecting from a retaining pawl 311 pivoted concentrically with the lever 313.

The pawl 311 cooperates with the tailL/of a drive pawl 319, pivotally carried on a disc 319 secured to the cam shaft 94, to hold said pawl 318 out of engagement with a drive ratchet 320 secured to the gear 96 an`d constantly rotated thereby in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. l1)

The clockwise movement of the lever 313, imparted thereto by depression of the release bar 91, as above stated, raises the link 314 which, due to the stud v316, rocks vthe retaining pawl, 311 clockwise against the-tension of its spring 326, freeing the drive pawl 318 to the action of its spring 321 which immediately rocks the pawl 318 into engagement with the ratchet 320. The disc 319 is now rotated counterclockwise one complete rotation. Shortly after the disc commences its rotation a block 328 secured to the side thereof strikes the lower end of the link 314 and rocks the link clockwise to free the pawl 311 to its spring 326 which rocks said pawl counterclockwise against a stop stud 329. Near the end of the rotation of the disc 319 and of the shaft 94 to which it is fast, the, tail of the drive pawl 318 strikes the pawl 311, rocking the drive pawl 318 out of engagement with the ratchet 320 to stoprotation of the shaft 94. A spring pressed pawl 330 cooperates with a notch in the periphery of the disc 319 to prevent retrograde movement of the shaft 94.

Means is provided to hold the release bar 91 in its depressed position until the disc 319 has completed its revolution. This device includes a link 331 slidably mounted at its left hand end (Figs. ll and 13) on a stud 332 projecting from the frame 31. The right hand end of the link 331 is pivoted to an arm 333 pivotally supported on the frame 31 and normally pressed against a block 334 on the disc 319 by a spring 335.

A slide 336 is slidablymounted onthe stud 332 and on a stud 331 projecting from the link 33|. A spring 338 urges the slide 336 toward the right (Figs. 11 and 13) but is prevented from shifting the slide due to a stud 339 projecting from the stem 308 of the key 91 abutting against a. projection 340 on the slide 336. Upon depression of the key 91 the stud 339 is carried below the projection 340 whereupon the spring 338 draws the slide 336 toward the right until it is stopped by the studs 332 and 331 ln which position the projection 340 rests immediately above the stud 339 to prevent restoration of the key 91 by its spring 341.

The upper side of 'the slide 336 is recessed as at 342 while a recess 343 is'provided in the link 331. An ear 344 is bent at right angles from the link 331 and projects into the right hand end of the recess 342 in the slide 336. A coupling pawl 345 carried on studs 346 and 341 projecting from the stem 308 is located in the same plane as slide 336 and said pawl 345 urged toward the right and counterclockwise about the stud 346 by a spring 348, is carried downwardly upon depression of the release bar 91. At this downward movement the left hand end of the pawl 345 receives its full movement but a face 349 comes into contact with vand is held in partially elevated position by the ear 344 since the link 331 has not yet been shifted toward the right. The stud 341 has moved downwardly in its triangular slot in the coupling pawl 345. As above stated, depression of the release Ibar effects a coupling between the disc 319 and the ratchet 320 so that these parts are rotated in unison for one rotation. As soon as the block 344 clears the arm 333 the spring 335 draws the link 331 toward the right carrying the ear 344 from beneath the face 349 and allows the pawl 345, urged by its spring 348, to drop into the recess 342.

Near the end of the rotation of the disc 319 .the block 334 engages -and rocks the arm 333 clockwise thrusting the link 33| toward the left and, since the coupling pawl 345 is now in the recess 342, the ear 344 on its leftward movement carries the pawl 345 and consequently the slide 336 therewith the pawl 345 sliding over its studs 346 and 341 until the projection 340 clears the stud 339 at which time the release bar is 'shifted by its spring 341 to its upper position carrying the pawl 345 therewith out of the recess 342. The

parts are now in this normal position. Check feed (Figs. 10, 14, 16)

After the drum 51 has been positioned according to the selector key 98 depressed, the check is :7

insertedinto an aperture (Fig. 16) and is fed into the selected compartment. The checks are fed into the compartments by means of a plurality of pairs of feed rollers 350 and pairs of smaller rollers 351 (Figs. 14 and 16). These feed rollers normally occupy the position with relation to' the sorting drum, in which they appear in Fig. 16, but upon operation of the check feed mechanism to feed a check into a selected compartment, the rollers are rocked to the positions disclosed in Fig. 14. The rollers 350 are secured to the shafts 351 and 358 (Fig. 14), the shaft 351 being carried between a pair of frames 359 (see also Figs. 9 and l0) secured to a shaft 360 journaled in the frames 30 and 31. The shaft 358 is carried between upwardly extending brackets 361 one secured to each of the frames 359. The rollers 351 are carried on shafts 362 and 363 the latter shaft being supported between the frames 359 and the shaft 362 being supported between adjustable brackets 364 pivoted on the shaft 351 and adjustably secured to the frames 359 by screws 365 (see Fig. 10).

Also secured on the shaft 360 is a cam arm 366 carrying rollers cooperating with a pair of cams 361 secured on the shaft 94 (Figs. 10 and 16) which, it will be remembered receives one complete counterclockwise rotation at each operation of the machine. 361 rock the shaft 360 and the frames 359 clockwise to bring the rollers 351 into close proximity to the selected compartment and at the same time a gear 368 (Fig. 16) fast on the shaft 94 rotates the rollers 350 and 351 in the directionsl indicated by the arrows through the following described train of gears: The gear 368 drives an intermediate gear 369 mounted on a stud 310 in the frame 30. The gear 369 meshes with a gear 311 loose on the shaft 360, which gear 311 meshes with a gear At the proper time the cams 350 fast thereon in a clockwise direction, and the' gear 314, shaft 358 and the feed rollers 350 on this shaft counterclockwise. The gear 314 (Fig. 14) meshes with an intermediate gear 315 which in turn meshes with a gear 316 secured on the shaft' 363, and the gear 316 meshes with a gear 311 fast on the shaft 362. This causes the feed rollers 35| on the shaft 363 to rotate counterclockwise and the rollers 35| on shaft 362 to rotate in a clockwise direction. f

'I'he rollers 350 are notched substantially as shown at 318 (Fig. 14) so that when the check is dropped into the aperture on chute |35 (Fig. 16) the lower edge thereof rests on the shoulders of the notch318 substantially between the sets of rollers 350. The rotation of rollers 350 and 35| in the direction of the arrows feeds the checks 'J into the selected compartment.

When the selected compartment comes into position an arm 319 integral with the arm |52 comes to rest adjacent a roller 380 (Figs. 10, 14 and16) on the frame 359. When this frame is rocked by the cams 361, the,ro1ler 380 rocks the arms 319 and |52 counterclockwise carrying the retainer plate |54 from the position in which it appears in Fig. 16 to the position in whichpit is shown in Fig. 14 so that the incoming check may be fed onto the stack 385 in the proper order.

As the checks or other record materials are fed into the compartment they are held closed against the retainer plate |54 yby a series of ngers 386 (Figs. 14y and 16) pivotally carried on a rod 381 carried between alpair of arms 388. The arms 388 are secured to a shaft 389 pivotally supported on vbrackets 390 (only one of which is shown) secured tothe sub-base 33. Springs 39| normally urge the arms 388 clockwise pressing rollers 392 one carried by each arm 388, against cams 393 fast on the shaft 94. p

When the shaft 94, and consequently the cams 393 are rotated counterclockwise the cams 393 permit the springs 39| to rock the arms 388 quickly clockwise from the Fig. 16 position to the position in which they appear in Fig. 14. As the .fingers 38,6 are carried into the compartment they are guided by tails 394 thereon cooperating with 'grooves in a rod 395 under the influence of springs 396. After the card is fed in between the tops of the fingers 386 and the retainer plate |54 the cams 393 restore the arms 388 to their original position withdrawing the fingers v386 from the compartment. The cams 3 61 now rock the frames. 359 counterclockwise carrying the feed rollers outwardly'to their normal positions and this allows the springs |55 to carry the retainer plate |54 against the stack 385 to hold the checks in position.

Full compartment signal (Figs. 4,' 5, 15)

Means is provided to prevent further compartment selecting operations when a compartmen is full of checks. This means includes contacts 391 (Figs. 4 `and 5) adapted to be operated by a cam 398 fast on the shaft 94 and under the control of the arms |52 carrying the retainer plate |54. Cooperating with the cam 398 Fig. 4) is a roller 399 on the free end of an arm 400 of a lever pivoted on the shaft 360. I'he other arm 40| of the lever, which arm 40| ls bent back on itself as at ,402 in order to clear other mechanism, pivotally carries at 403 a curved lever 404 having one of its arms 405 provided with a block 406 in the plane of aprojecting surface 401 on the arm |52.

The other arm 408 of the lever 404 ls connected to a link 409 which at its opposite end is connected to a lever 4| 0. A pin 4| 6 on the lever 4|0 projects into a blfurcated floating member 4|8 and a spring 4|9 compressed between the pin 4 I6 and a shoulder on theI member 4|8 presses a roller 420 carried by the member 4I8 against a curved insulating retainer 42|. mounted in a casing 422 secured to an arm 423 of the lever 400-40l.

When the vlink 409 is moved toward the left (Fig. 5) it Yrocks the 'lever'4l0 counterclockwise and the pin 4|6 rocks the-member 4|8 clockwise about the roller 420 as a pivot until just as the pin 4|6 passes the center line through the pivot point of the lever 4| 0 and the center of roller 420, whereupon the roller shifts quickly into contact with the contacts 391 of which there are two.

'I'hls switch is,

One of the contacts 391 does not appear in Fig.

which they appear in Fig. 14 to their normal position (Fig. 16), the roller 380 frees the arms |52 to the .action of their springs |55 which immediately rock said arms clockwise until they are arrested by the plate |54 striking the stack of checks 385. Shortly thereafter the cam 398 (Fig. 4) rocks the lever 400-40| clockwise carrying the lever 404 therewith, the lever 404 maintaining the same relation to the armand with the switch box 422 shown in Fig. 4.

On its clockwise travelV the block 406 will strike the face 401, if a suicient number of checks have previously been sorted into the particular compartment selected, and rock the lever 404 slightly counterclockwise about its pivot 403 on the arm 40| As the number of checks in thecompartment increases the lever 404 will be rocked farther and farther in a counterclockwise direction until eventually the capacity of the compartment is reached at which 'point the movement of the lever 404 is sufficient to rock the lever 4|0 (Fig: 5) past center, whereupon the spring 4|9 acts to snap the roller 420 toward the left to bridge the contacts 331.

Referring now to the circuit diagram (Fig. 15) closing the contacts 391 completes a circuit from the line |62, a Wire 424, magnet 425, contacts 391, wires 426, |96, |91- and |98 to line |63. En-

ergization of the magnet 425 closes its contactsV counterclockwise a pawl 433 to position the end of said pawl in the downward path of a block 434 secured to the release bar stem 308 to thus prevent depression of the release bar 91 until the checks have been cleared .from the compartment.

The opening of contacts |81 deenergizes the energized magnet |86 or 299 opening contacts' |89 to deenergize magnet |9| which opens its contacts |92 and 209 preventing a selecting operation of the sorting drum until the checks are removed from the full compartment.

Before the operator can proceed with an item entering operation, however, it is necessary to depress a key 435 (Figs. 1, and 4). When the cam 398 operated the lever 40B- 40| an ear 438 on the arm 408 of leverv 404 was carried' to the position indicated by dotted lines 438a to the right of a stud 439 on the key lever 436. II'he counterclockwise movement of the lever 404 carried the ear 438 counterclockwise almost into' contact with the stud 439. Now when the cam 398 releases the lever 40B- 40| and the spring 440 rocks said lever counterclockwise, the ear 438 rocks the key lever 436 clockwise positioning a hook 44| in the path of an ear 442 bent at right angles to the arm 423,1atching the lever 400-40I against restoring movement thus preventing operation of the link 409 to open the contacts 391.

After the operator has cleared the checks from the full compartment he depresses the key 435 rocking the lever 436 counterclockwise to free the lever 40040| to its spring 440 which restores said lever to its normal position. As the lever 400--40I rocks counterclockwise the arm 405 of lever 404 strikes a stud 448 causing this lever to rock clockwise about its pivot 403 thus drawing the link 409 toward the right torock the lever 4|0 and member 4|8 opposite to that previously described. Roller 420 is now shifted quickly out of contact with the contacts 391 and against the curved insulating retainer 42|.

Referring now. to Fig. 15, when the contacts 391 are opened the magnet 425 is deenergized opening contacts 421 and 428 and closing contacts |81. The machine may now be operated in a normal manner.

Lock for release key (Figs. 1, 11, 15)

Means is provided to lock the release bar 91 while the sorting drum is rotating. This lock is controlled by the locking nger 86 (Fig. 1) which is operated by the magnet 81 (see also Fig. 15).

It was explained above how depressing a se- ,lector key 98 eiected energization of magnet |82 which closes contacts 2|4 energizing the magnet 81 through the circuit extending from line |62, contacts |92 now closed, lines |93 and 2|1, contacts 2|4, magnet 81 to line |63. Energization of magnet 81 rocks the finger 86 counterclockwise and also rocks an arm H95 rigidly connected to nger 86 counterclockwise closing contacts H96. Upon closing of contacts H96 a circuit isset up from the line |62 (see Fig. 15) over wire 424, contacts H96, release bar magnet 43|, wires |91 and |98 to line |63 thus energizing the release bar magnets. Referring now to Fig. 11 it will be remembered that energization of magnets 43| through armature 432 rocks bell crank 433 counterclockwise to interpose the end of said bell crank in the path of the block 434 thus preventing depression of the release bar until the drum is stopped in the selected position. l.

At this time, however, as was fully explained above, the relay |82 (Fig. l5) is deenergized dropping its armature and opening contacts and pointed out the fundamental novel fea,

tures of the invention as applied to a single modication, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by-those skilled in the art Without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention therefore to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the i following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a sorting machine, in combination, a frame provided with a plurality of sorting compartments, an electrical motor for moving said frame, means including sorting compartment selecting elements for causing said motor to move the frame a predeterminedl amount to select a compartment, and means for changing the speed of themotor to cause said frame to be moved at two different speeds during a compartment selecting operation.

2. In a sorting machine, in combination, a lframe provided with a plurality of sorting compartments, an electrical motor operated by direct current for moving said frame, means including sorting compartment selecting elements for causing said motor to be set in operation to move the frame to a predetermined position to select a compartment, and electrical means effective during the movement of said frame to cause the direct current operating said motor to be reversed in polarity to effect dynamic braking.

3. In a record sorting machine, in combination, a receptacle having a plurality of sorting compartments, compartment selecting means, a reversible electrical motor under control of said selecting means for moving said receptacle in either of two directions to select a compartment by the shorter of two movements, means for inserting an electrical resistance in the motor circuit to reduce the motor speed, and means for reversing the polarity of current applied to said motor, both of the last-named means being effective irrespective of the initial direction .of rotation of .the motor.

4. In a machine of the class described, a'rotatable drum carrying sorting compartments, means comprising a mechanical friction brake to normally hold said drum in adjusted position, means comprising a stop finger coacting withI the drum to normally hold it in adjusted positions, a plurality of compartment selector keys, means effective upon the depression of a key to cause the release of both of said means and to cause a predetermined rotation of the drum, and means eiective when said drum approaches the predetermined position to cause the friction brake to be effective to slow the speed of rotation of the drum.

5. In a machine of the class described, in

-combination, a sorting drum carrying a pluralmined lrotation of said sorting drum, and a speed reducing mechanism for said drum comprising a friction brake and an electric resistance, and means eiective during the rotation of said drum to apply said brake and insert electrical resistance in the motor circuit.

6. In a sorting machine, in combination, a reversible electrical motor, a rotatable sorting drum carrying compartments for receiving sorted records, electrical circuits and selecting means therefor for causing the operation of said motor in either direction and to predeter- `mine its extent of movement, a supplemental motor, means operated by the last-named motor for feeding sorted records into said compartments, a common direct current supply for both of said motors, and a direct current generator driven by one of the motors for supplying direct current to said electrical circuits at a voltage reduced with respect to said power supply.

7. In a sorting machine, in combination, a movable frame provided with a plurality of sorting compartments each opened at one end thereoi', compartment selecting means for controlling the movement of said frame, an operating mechanism, means operated by said operating mechanism for feeding records throughv the open end of a selected compartment, means for clamping the records already sorted in the compartments, and means whereby said operating mechanism releases the clamping means of the selected compartment to receive a record.

8. In a sorting machine, in combination, a rotatable frame provided with a plurality of sorting compartments, compartment selecting means, a motor for causing a rotation of said frame an amount predetermined by said selecting means to bring a' selected compartment to a predetermined position, means for feeding a record to the selected compartment, a record clamping plate in each compartment, common guide means for guiding the record which is fed adjacent the clampingplate of the selected compartment, and means for causing a movement of the Iclamping plate of the selected compartment to provide a record receiving space and then restoring the clamp after the record, has been fed into the selected sorting compartment.

9. Avsorting apparatus comprising a rotatable drum haviriga series of radially arranged com- Ipartments, spring-pressed clamps provided therein and adapted to clamp the record material sorted therein, and means effective after said drum is stopped at a predetermined position for actuating theclamp of 'a selected compartmenty to provide a record material receiving space.

10. In a record sorting machine provided with a compartment for receiving records, such as checks, and open at one end, a plurality of record .feeding rollers for feeding a record through the compartment entrance, a record clamping means in said compartment, record guiding iinygers, and means for initially shifting said clamping means and then moving said guide ngers into said compartment to guide the record fed into the record receiving space, provided by the shifting'of said clamping meana'said guiding means being thereafter removed from said compartment as said clamping means is restored to' clamp the record fed into said compartment.

11. In amachine of the class described, in combination, a plurality of record sorting compartments, a plurality of shiftable record clamping means, one in each compartment, shifting means normally out' of cooperative relationship with any of said record clamping means, and means for causing the operation of said shifting means to shift the clamping means of a selected sorting compartment prior to feeding a record therein. F

12. In a sorting machine, in combination, a

manually controlled sorting mechanism including sorting compartments for receiving sorted record imaterial such as individual slips, and means controlled by the slips sorted and cooperating therewith for preventing the operation of the sorting mechanism when any sorting compartment is lled substantially to its capacity.

13. In a sorting machine, a series of sorting compartments, a record material gripping means in each of said compartments adapted to grip sorted records therein and by its position determine the extent that the compartment is filled with records, a machine control device, and means for causing the gripping means of each compartment to control the operation of the machine control device.

14. In a record sorting machine, in combination, a series of compartments in which is sorted diiferently classied records, manually controlled means for selecting said compartments, individual means in each of said compartments for determining the extent that a compartment is lled with records, and a common machine control i ually controlled' means for selecting said compartments, manually controlled means for causing the feeding of records to be sorted into said compartments, and means for preventing the operation of the last named means and further ycompartment selecting operati-ons by the iirst named means when any compartment is lled substantially to capacity.

16. In a record, sorting machine, in combination, a plurality of sorting compartments, manually controlled means for selecting said compartments, means for feeding records to be sorted in said compartments, and means cooperating with records in the compartments and operable when any compartment is filled to capacity for preventing the operation of said feeding means and said selecting means whereby further compartment selecting and record feeding operations are prevented.

17. In a record sorting machine, in combination, a plurality of sorting compartments, a manually controlled means for selecting a compartment, means for causing records to be sorted to be fed into the selected compartment, a common control device for rendering both means ineffective When any .compartment is lled substantially to capacity, and means operable after the filledup compartment is 'emptied for rendering the common control device ineective. i

18. In a machine of the class described, a rotatable drum carrying a plurality of sorting compartments, a plurality of selector keys, means whereby each key when depressed remains depressed until released by another key, a plurality of means each adapted to cooperate with the drum to normally hold it in its last position oi adjustment, and means under control of said keys for releasing said plurality of holding me :1, 1...

when a key is released by the depression of another key.

19. In a record sorting machine, in combination, a plurality of sorting compartments, man- 5 ually controlled means for selecting said compartments, means for feeding records to be sorted in said compartments, and means cooperating with records in the compartments and operable when any compartment :ls fllled to capacity for preventing the operation of said record feeding means.

FREDERICK L. FULLER. SAMUEL. BRAND. 

